Christmas 2021

Pulling into Angela and Sean's driveway Jane and I smiled seeing as we were the first ones here with Kaira and our one and a half month old son Alexander Barold Rizzoli-Isles, named after our friend and Jane's old partner Barry Frost, and my grandfather who passed away eight months ago at the age of 99. Grabbing the carrier that Alex was still fast asleep in out of the car Jane helped Kaira out of the car before grabbing the baby bag out of the car and walking up to the front door with us. Jane rang the doorbell and we were greeted by Sean and the sweet smell of Angela's Christmas baking

"Grandpa" Kaira squeaked as she wrapped her arms around his legs, before he reached down and lifted her up in his arms, smothering her in kisses. I walked in the door next and placed a kiss on his cheek before making my way into the lounge and placing the carrier down on the floor, grabbing Alex out of his carrier as Jane greeted her new step-father, she handed me the baby bag before heading out to the car with Sean to grab the presents.

"How are you feeling Maura?" Angela asked making her way over to me

"Good actually, he's such a blessed sleeper. I mean I thought we'd been lucky with Kaira but he's even more of a blessing" I said and she smiled

"I know what you mean, however at this age Jane was actually my least fussiest, up until the age of four that is" she told me and I smiled, remembering the story of how Jane had wanted to play sport with the boys instead of doing ballet but then making a compromise with her mum.

There was another knock on the door and as Sean opened it in walked Frankie and Delilah and their six month old twin boys Lucas James Rizzoli and Michael Connor Rizzoli. Angela made her way over to her grandsons and picked them up. Tommy, Lydia, TJ and Jasmine following close behind. Korsak entered the house next followed by Nina Holiday, her husband Jeremiah Holiday and they're three kids Olivia 9, Penny 6 and Callum 4. It seemed that every year we gathered to celebrate Christmas we had grown a little bit more and thanks to mum and Maura's amazing cooking there was always plenty to go around. This year Maura and I had invited Nina and here family because there families were out of state and they didn't want to miss out on the celebrations, especially when all of us were getting to know each other pretty well.

As we gathered around the Christmas tree, every available seat and surface had someone on it. There was so much happiness and joy spread throughout the room, delight as we opened gifts and exchanged gossip. It was made even more fun when the kids were about to open the gifts from Santa that hung on the fireplace in their stockings, when "Santa" appeared in the entrance way, it was actually Korsak dressed up in the suit but it made all the kids including Olivia and TJ who were the oldest gasp in excitement and rush up to him for hugs. It turned out to be a lovely photo opportunity as we all took photos of our children hugging Santa, some by themselves, others in a little family portrait. And as I settled next to Jane on the couch happy and content with the picture that I had of Kaira and Alexander in Korsak's arms I leant over and gave Jane a quick kiss before turning my attention back to the kids on the floor. Just before Angela and I stood to head into the kitchen to start moving the meal from the kitchen to the table in the back yard Jane stood and pulled me aside, I handed Alexander to Angela who happily took her grandson and I followed Jane down the hall to the spare bedroom.

"What is it Jane?" I asked concerned and she smiled

"Nothing I just really wanted to kiss you" she said planting a heated kiss on my lips, I moaned into the kiss before wrapping my fingers in her hair but leaning back reluctantly searching her face for any sign of why she had actually pulled me aside.

"Jane?" I questioned and she sighed

"Alright, I wanted to wait to do this but I also can't hide it any longer" she said and I looked at her confused, she giggled

"How is it after 7years of a really amazing relationship and knowing and loving every inch of you that you still make me fall a little bit more in love with you each day?" she asked and I shrugged not really having a scientific answer to that question at the moment

"Wow no scientific answer or pair reviewed study is everything alright Maur?" she asked and I nodded

"I am fine, just curious as to where this conversation is heading and confused because your not really making any sense" I told her and she laughed, before running her hand over her face and calming her features

"Alright what I actually brought you in here for was because I wanted to give you this" she said pulling out a small box from her back pocket

"What is it?" I asked and she smiled not saying a word. Curiosity taking over I opened the lid and gasped when I saw what was inside

"I know I didn't really involve you in the search for our new house but I wanted it to be special and a surprise. So I made a couple of calls and talked to you mother and had ma come looking with me. Its an amazing five bedroom place, with a guest house for when your mother and father come to stay and you can have your own office, or a yoga room" she rattled off and I pounced on her, pressing a loving kiss on her mouth to silence her

"I don't mind what it looks like, I just wow. We have a house" I said and she smiled happily

"Happy Anniversary Maura" she whispered before placing her lips on mine

"Happy Anniversary Jane. Thank you so much" I said and she smiled

"Your welcome Maur" she said grabbing her hand in mine as we made our way back out to the rest of our family and friends.

"Where did you two run off too?" Angela asked and I looked to Jane who nodded, everyone was looking at us quizzically and as Jane made her way over to Angela to pick up Alexander I smiled.

"Jane was giving me my anniversary gift" I said and all the men looked disgusted and the women looked puzzled before I smiled

"Its not what you think" Jane said and they all nodded muttering things like

"It never is" and "Spare us the details" I giggled before grabbing the key from my pocket and holding it out for everyone to see

"Its the key to our new house" I said and they all relaxed, causing Jane, Angela and I to burst out laughing, as the whole conversation went over the top of the kids heads and the others tried to work out where they had gone wrong in their conclusions. As Jane wrapped her arm around my waist she whispered

"Tonight you will get the rest of your present" and I smiled, blushing slightly and Angela who had walked past at the time said

"Alright girls that's nasty" which caused everyone to laugh.

A/N: I know somethings wrong with me an update two days in a row. However I don't know how long it will take me to get the next one up I just had a really free weekend (no theatre) and actually managed to write. :D